Adrian Simpson is the co-founder of Wavelength and in this episode we discuss the global research that has highlighted ‘Foresight’ as a critical skill for CEO’s and senior executives for a world in constant change.

What does the term ‘Outside-In’ mean for future leaders and why is it important for individual and collective success?

Adrian describes ‘Outside-In’ as the discipline of learning from people, industries and sectors that are very different from your own. The world is so fast paced and volatile, that leaders must press the pause button, stop what they are doing and spend time looking outside for inspiration, education and provocation in order to develop real breadth and not just depth of capability.

Organisations that embrace an Outside-In approach are also very human centred which in turn makes them a great place to work, such as Four Seasons and Southwest Airlines have proved. Adrian outlines the incredible recruitment process of Southwest with their focus on attitude over skills and an uncompromising focus on culture.

So why is the outside-in approach so important? There are simply too many important agendas for any single leader to manage and leaders will find it refreshing and supportive of others to simply say, “I don’t know.”

Adrian refers to Roselinde Torres who carried out her own research on what makes great leaders. One such capability is the ability for leaders to ask themselves critical questions such as ‘where are you looking for pattern identification, ideation and stimulus?’ and she goes on to suggest that the answer will be found simply by looking in the leader’s diary. This in turn, Adrian suggests, raises the issue of a leaders ‘Personal Boardroom’ and the company that they keep. For example do you have people who will be your ‘nerve giver, ‘coach’, ‘sponsor’, or ‘chief connector’ or have you merely created an echo chamber that lacks diversity of thought.

All leaders need to start to experiment with structures around them that will elevate the opportunities and results of their curiosity.

We discuss how the pandemic was the ultimate outside-in event which has forced organizations to consider their ‘Gathering Strategy’ to cope with the new ways of working and requirement for flexibility. Leaders again must look to see what works from across sectors and regions and understand that the office needs to be a place of education, connection or celebration and if successful, coming to the office is the time to put on your out of office notifications as the formal becomes informal and the informal, formal.

This episode is packed full of learning and great examples from Adrian’s global network and experiences.

www.wavelengthleadership.com

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